The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for a fresh review of the national minimum wage, insisting that the current ₦70,000 benchmark has been overtaken by rising inflation and the soaring cost of living.
Labour leaders made the demand on Friday during the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit 2026 held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, as the country marked 88 years of organised trade unionism.
The summit, themed “The Rights of Workers: Decent Work and a Just Economy in Nigeria,” brought together labour leaders, government officials, employers, civil society organisations, members of the National Industrial Court and other stakeholders to assess the state of workers’ welfare and labour rights.
Participants expressed concern over the worsening economic hardship confronting Nigerian workers, noting that inflation and the rising cost of living have significantly eroded the purchasing power of salaries.
Discussions also focused on workplace safety, discrimination, job insecurity, the welfare of casual workers and the implementation of workers’ rights across the country’s public and private sectors.
Representing NLC President Joe Ajaero, the Deputy President of the Congress, Adewale Adeyanju (Amba), described the current minimum wage as inadequate in the face of prevailing economic realities.
According to him, many workers can no longer meet their basic needs despite the recent wage adjustment.
He called for the immediate reopening of negotiations with the Federal Government and state governments to review the existing wage structure and arrive at a new minimum wage that reflects current living conditions.
“The present ₦70,000 minimum wage has been overtaken by inflation and the rising cost of living. It is no longer sufficient to meet the basic needs of Nigerian workers,” Adeyanju said.
Convener of the summit and Executive Director of Call a Lawyer, Ekpa Stanley, said the gathering was not only to commemorate the history of organised labour in Nigeria but also to evaluate its progress and confront the challenges facing workers.
“This summit provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the labour movement, examine the challenges confronting Nigerian workers and chart a path towards securing decent work for all,” he said.
Former NLC President Ayuba Wabba stressed that decent work goes beyond salary increases, saying workers also deserve job security, social protection and respect for their rights.
He urged governments, employers and labour unions to work together to implement policies that promote workers’ welfare and protect their dignity, particularly at a time when many households are struggling with economic hardship.
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, who also addressed the summit, assured participants that his administration would fully implement any new national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
The summit concluded with renewed calls for stronger labour policies, improved working conditions and sustained dialogue between government, employers and organised labour to safeguard the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers.
